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We
went hiking the next day on trail north of our camp. We canoed to a
trail entrance that we did not find. Forging through the forest and
underbrush we found the trail as well as an abandoned boat. I am not
sure how far we hiked but it took up much of the day. The trail
deteriorated at a marsh that was once a beaver colony. There we made
instant pudding. Unfortunately I had no water, just a little
lemonade. In substitute of the water I added Tang. It was a regrettable
decision. Orange and chocolate do not taste pleasing together. We
returned the same route only exploring a spur that went to another lake.
Along the way we saw a variety of forest flora including lady slippers.
Much to my dismay, I did not see any animals. What amazed me the most
was that the trail was a two lane road as late as the 1960s.
Unusual litter and debris were found along the path like tires and
coffee cans. When we got back to camp we jokingly referred to the
hike as the “forced march.” The good weather ebbed as storm clouds blew in a few days later. Much to my dismay, my tent did not pass the rainproof test. Water pooled up on the sides and floor of the tent. The rain lasted on and off for about a day. Neil, David and myself helped put up a tarp over the campfire and cooking area in the morning. Waiting for the rain to cease, we played numerous hands of 500 and drank hot tea. In the late afternoon the sky changed and the sun returned. Almost immediately David and I started pulling things out of the tent to allow them to dry. In the morning we broke camp, loaded the canoes, and paddled back to where we first launched. I would be prepared for the challenges ahead this time. I was even willing to get out of the canoe and into the water. Portaging was not easy but now I knew it would not be and expected it. Rapids and beaver dams did not discourage me. David and I took them well. I even got out in the water to walk the canoe through a set of rapids. At last we made it to our most difficult portage. It was no small task but this time I came out hardly scathed. Mental preparation is the key. And expect to get wet and dirty, it’s part of the journey. |